Welcome to Episode 2103 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode of Masterclass US Wine Market, our new host Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Polly Hammond, a leading digital marketing consultant. In this episode they discuss how to give an approachable edge to wine, both for the general US market and more specifically the younger generations. Tune in for tips, tools and skills being used to make wine more accessible to more key audience segments.  More about today’s guest: Polly Hammond Polly Hammond is the Founder and CEO of 5forests, an award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in the wine, beer, and spirits industries. She splits her time between Barcelona, Bordeaux, and Napa, consulting, writing, and speaking about the trends that impact today’s lifestyle businesses. In addition, she’s hosted over 100 podcasts on the subject of wine marketing, sits on the board of the Areni Global think tank, and serves as advisor to regional bodies worldwide. As a graduate of the University of Southern California, Polly has a deep and abiding love affair with Behavioural Economics, and bases 25+ years of experience on insights into all the crazy and irrational reasons consumers engage with brands. She approaches each client experience with empathy and understanding for what it takes for an independent business to adapt and thrive in the real world. Connect: Website: https://5forests.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/5forests/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-hammond-5f/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@5forests    More about today’s host: Barbara Fitzgerald With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries. As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US.   Connect: Instagram @aprilabottiglia LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/ Website www.aprilacreative.com _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/   Until next time, Cin Cin!   Tune-in and hit the like! - Business, US Market advice, importing, exporting, business, personal stories and advice, plus she is very fun to listen to!